Press conference

‘You must hold your nerve… stay lucid and calm’

With more than 20 years of experience of competing in north London derbies, Arsene Wenger knows exactly what is required if his side are to beat Tottenham on Saturday.

The Arsenal manager is well aware of the passion that surrounds these games, but says it is just as important to keep a cool head in the heat of battle.

“First of all there’s always pride involved, the desire to beat your opponent like all the neighbours in the world have,” Wenger said.

“It’s always a fierce derby. As well to keeping your nerve, you must have full commitment while being lucid and calm enough to focus on the game.

“It’s one of the fixtures that is very important for us and that we want to win, as well because in the table we have to make some ground up on the top teams.

“At home we have been very strong and our home strength will certainly be vital to decide where we finish at the end of the season.

“I think Tottenham are a good side but we have the quality to win this game and that’s what we want to show.”